Remembering Sheilagh fondly on this day

Remembering Sheilagh fondly on her birthday

It has been a real pleasure to get to know Sheilagh over the last few years after I came to ChristChurch Tilehurst as pastor where Sheilagh had been worshipping. She was, let's say, a real character, and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with her. Her faith in Jesus was a real rock for her, especially in times of difficulty. She enjoyed singing many of the old hymns and, when she could, play them for us on the piano. We are comforted to know she is now at home with her Saviour. - Dan & Emma Dwelly.

Our memories of Sheilagh are of Carey Camp(cooking ,games,singing)
Wedding Receptions (in preparation ,serving and clearing up)
Senior Citizens holidays (at Haldon Court Exmouth as a helper)
Hospitable at home with lots of laughter and always singing
We give thanks to God for knowing her

                             
Our friendship with Sheilagh goes back many years. Sue’s first real memory of her is as a teenager in the 1960s when Sheilagh was helping with the Youth work at Carey church and Peter after he came to Reading and became a member of Carey in 1976. Special times in Clanfield Crescent saw crowds of young people squashed into her room while singing hymns and songs together as Sheilagh accompanied on her piano, and then supplied us with drinks and biscuits. We, in turn, supplied Sheilagh with all the latest news in our lives!

We remember Sheilagh for her great sense of fun. Carey camps were special times when our children were young, which we’ve mused over more recently. You really get to know your church family as you camp in a field for a week together with no ‘mod cons’, working in teams to feed and look after everyone! Serious daily times together learning more from God’s Word, the Bible, were accompanied by a large dose of fun and relaxation. (See the photo of Sheilagh with her friends Ann and Shirley ‘performing’ at the evening concert!, 1983).

Sheilagh’s unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus as her Saviour has stood the test of time and difficulties over the years. She stood firm, and it was always her wish and prayer that her children, grandchildren and friends should continue to know, or experience for the first time the peace and help that she has known from God. As we’ve continued to worship together at Christchurch Tilehurst over the last few years, it’s been a privilege to spend more time with Sheilagh than previously. Her family and friends were very special to her and she will be very fondly remembered as a unique and special lady.

Peter and Sue Ward

The last time I saw my Grandmother was in March. I was one of the lucky few able to go through with their wedding, with everything going on, and now I feel even more blessed that I was able to share that moment with her. When she first met my husband, I was a little surprised by her warmth, and even more by her hugging him. Her approval meant a huge amount to both of us. And will be something forever remembered.

Whenever I think of my Grandmother, I am always reminded she was a formidable woman, wrapped in a thousand kind moments. She was a wonderful Grandmother, mother and friend, and an inspiration to live up to.

I remember well the first time I met Sheilagh, although she insisted that I call her Nanny. Sarah and I visited Nanny in Reading at her home and I could not have been welcomed warmer. We talked for a good two hours about football: We spoke about Reading and Feyenoord - our favourite clubs - and about the Dutch and English national teams. We discussed the history of Dutch and English football and we spoke in depth about Dennis Bergkamp.

She spoke about Kathy and Adrian and showed me pictures of Sarah and them when they were younger. She also made me laugh when she told about some of their antics as children. This was all over a fish and chips dinner and I could not have felt more warmth.

Two years later that warmth had not changed when she attended Sarah's and my wedding. I am happy we could share that moment with Nanny, because of that first meeting in April 2018. She will be remembered dearly.

I only knew Sheila for 7 years, but thought of her as a dear friend. Life wasn't easy for her. She was involved in so many activities, but sadly as she gradually lost her sight and mobility ano not having family nearby life became very difficult, and i felt great sympathy for her. She was always pleased to see me and liked to talk about her life. She had a great friend in Maurice who did so much for her. She loved having Adrian with her for 4 months and having Kathryn with her for the last 7 weeks of her life, was a great comfort to her, and for them. I will miss our chats, but know she is in a place she wanted to be. God bless her.

I often sat next to sheilagh in church and she would tell me how quiet she was! she wasn’t. She was quite the chatterbox lol    ( with a lovely sense of humour)
I’ve heard many tales about her life, from her time In Northern Ireland running a guest house to being a faithful servant of Carey church and plenty of other ups and downs in between
Her biggest source of pride ( and conversation) were her children - I hope Katheryn and Adrian know just how utterly and immensely proud of them she was  
I will miss her on Sunday mornings it won’t be the same .